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BSB
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Genesis 42

BSB·38 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1When Jacobיַעֲקֹ֔בya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → learnedוַיַּ֣רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → there wasיֶשׁ־yeš- — there is, exists, has beingH3426 — Full Word Study → grainשֶׁ֖בֶרše·ḇer — grain, especially wheat or barley; foodH7668 — Full Word Study → in Egyptבְּמִצְרָ֑יִםbə·miṣ·rā·yim — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study →, heיַעֲקֹב֙ya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to his sonsלְבָנָ֔יוlə·ḇā·nāw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, “Whyלָ֖מָּהlām·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → are you staring at one anotherתִּתְרָאֽוּ׃tiṯ·rā·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →?” 2Lookהִנֵּ֣הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →,” he addedוַיֹּ֕אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “I have heardשָׁמַ֔עְתִּיšā·ma‘·tî — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → there isיֶשׁ־yeš- — there is, exists, has beingH3426 — Full Word Study → grainשֶׁ֖בֶרše·ḇer — grain, especially wheat or barley; foodH7668 — Full Word Study → in Egyptבְּמִצְרָ֑יִםbə·miṣ·rā·yim — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study →. Go downרְדוּ־rə·ḏū- — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → thereשָׁ֙מָּה֙šām·māh — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → and buyוְשִׁבְרוּ־wə·šiḇ·rū- — to buy or sell grain; to tradeH7666 — Full Word Study → some for us, so that we may liveוְנִחְיֶ֖הwə·niḥ·yeh — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study → and notוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → dieנָמֽוּת׃nā·mūṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →.” 3So tenעֲשָׂרָ֑ה‘ă·śā·rāh — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → of Joseph’sיוֹסֵ֖ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → brothersאֲחֵֽי־’ă·ḥê- — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → went downוַיֵּרְד֥וּway·yê·rə·ḏū — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → to buyלִשְׁבֹּ֥רliš·bōr — to buy or sell grain; to tradeH7666 — Full Word Study → grainבָּ֖רbār — grain, corn, wheat; harvest fieldH1250 — Full Word Study → from Egyptמִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃mim·miṣ·rā·yim — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study →. 4But Jacobיַעֲקֹ֖בya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → did notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → sendשָׁלַ֥חšā·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → Joseph’sיוֹסֵ֔ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → brotherאֲחִ֣י’ă·ḥî — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → Benjaminבִּנְיָמִין֙bin·yā·mîn — Son of the right handH1144 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → his brothersאֶחָ֑יו’e·ḥāw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he saidאָמַ֔ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “I am afraid thatפֶּן־pen- — lest, that not, for fear thatH6435 — Full Word Study → harmאָסֽוֹן׃’ā·sō·wn — harm, mischief, or disasterH611 — Full Word Study → might befall himיִקְרָאֶ֖נּוּyiq·rā·’en·nū — to meet, encounter, or come upon (often by chance or unexpectedly)H7122 — Full Word Study →.” 5So the sonsבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → were amongבְּת֣וֹךְbə·ṯō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → those whoהַבָּאִ֑יםhab·bā·’îm — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → cameוַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙way·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to buy grainלִשְׁבֹּ֖רliš·bōr — to buy or sell grain; to tradeH7666 — Full Word Study →, sinceכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the famineהָרָעָ֖בhā·rā·‘āḇ — Famine; severe scarcity of foodH7458 — Full Word Study → had also spread to the landבְּאֶ֥רֶץbə·’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Canaanכְּנָֽעַן׃kə·nā·‘an — Canaan; the promised land; merchant activityH3667 — Full Word Study →. 6Now Josephוְיוֹסֵ֗ףwə·yō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → wasה֚וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → the rulerהַשַּׁלִּ֣יטhaš·šal·lîṭ — ruler, one who has power or dominionH7989 — Full Word Study → ofעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָ֔רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →; he was the one who sold grainהַמַּשְׁבִּ֖ירham·maš·bîr — to buy or sell grain; to tradeH7666 — Full Word Study → to allלְכָל־lə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → itsהָאָ֑רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → peopleעַ֣ם‘am — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. So when his brothersאֲחֵ֣י’ă·ḥê — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → arrivedוַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙way·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study →, they bowed downוַיִּשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ־way·yiš·ta·ḥă·wū- — To bow down; to worship or show reverenceH7812 — Full Word Study → before him with their facesאַפַּ֖יִם’ap·pa·yim — Anger, wrath, face, or noseH639 — Full Word Study → to the groundאָֽרְצָה׃’ā·rə·ṣāh — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. 7And when Josephיוֹסֵ֛ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → sawוַיַּ֥רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → his brothersאֶחָ֖יו’e·ḥāw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →, he recognized themוַיַּכִּרֵ֑םway·yak·ki·rêm — To recognize, acknowledge, regard, or treat as strangeH5234 — Full Word Study →, but he treated them as strangersוַיִּתְנַכֵּ֨רway·yiṯ·nak·kêr — To recognize, acknowledge, regard, or treat as strangeH5234 — Full Word Study → and spokeוַיְדַבֵּ֧רway·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → harshlyקָשׁ֗וֹתqā·šō·wṯ — Hard, severe, stubborn, unyieldingH7186 — Full Word Study → to themאִתָּ֣ם’it·tām — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →. “Whereמֵאַ֣יִןmê·’a·yin — Where? From where? Whence (interrogative adverb)H370 — Full Word Study → have you come fromבָּאתֶ֔םbā·ṯem — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study →?” he askedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. “From the landמֵאֶ֥רֶץmê·’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Canaanכְּנַ֖עַןkə·na·‘an — Canaan; the promised land; merchant activityH3667 — Full Word Study →,” they repliedוַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. “We are here to buy foodאֹֽכֶל׃’ō·ḵel — Food; that which is eatenH400 — Full Word Study →.” 8Although Josephיוֹסֵ֖ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → recognizedוַיַּכֵּ֥רway·yak·kêr — To recognize, acknowledge, regard, or treat as strangeH5234 — Full Word Study → his brothersאֶחָ֑יו’e·ḥāw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →, theyוְהֵ֖םwə·hêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → did notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → recognize himהִכִּרֻֽהוּ׃hik·ki·ru·hū — To recognize, acknowledge, regard, or treat as strangeH5234 — Full Word Study →. 9Josephיוֹסֵ֔ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → rememberedוַיִּזְכֹּ֣רway·yiz·kōr — to remember, recall, or mentionH2142 — Full Word Study → his dreamsהַחֲלֹמ֔וֹתha·ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study → about them and saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Youאַתֶּ֔ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are spiesמְרַגְּלִ֣יםmə·rag·gə·lîm — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study →! You have comeבָּאתֶֽם׃bā·ṯem — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to seeלִרְא֛וֹתlir·’ō·wṯ — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → if our landהָאָ֖רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → is vulnerable.” 10Not soלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study →, my lordאֲדֹנִ֑י’ă·ḏō·nî — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study →,” they repliedוַיֹּאמְר֥וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. “Your servantsוַעֲבָדֶ֥יךָwa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → have comeבָּ֖אוּbā·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to buyלִשְׁבָּר־liš·bār- — to buy or sell grain; to tradeH7666 — Full Word Study → foodאֹֽכֶל׃’ō·ḵel — Food; that which is eatenH400 — Full Word Study →. 11Weנָ֑חְנוּnā·ḥə·nū — We; first-person plural pronounH5168 — Full Word Study → are allכֻּלָּ֕נוּkul·lā·nū — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → sonsבְּנֵ֥יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of oneאֶחָ֖ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → manאִישׁ־’îš- — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →. Your servantsעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → areהָי֥וּhā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → honest men, notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → spiesמְרַגְּלִֽים׃mə·rag·gə·lîm — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study →.” 12Noלֹ֕אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study →,” he toldוַיֹּ֖אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → themאֲלֵהֶ֑ם’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →. “You have comeבָּאתֶ֥םbā·ṯem — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to seeלִרְאֽוֹת׃lir·’ō·wṯ — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → if our landהָאָ֖רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → is vulnerable.” 13But they answeredוַיֹּאמְר֗וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Your servantsעֲבָדֶ֨יךָ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → are twelveשְׁנֵ֣יםšə·nêm — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → brothersאַחִ֧ים׀’a·ḥîm — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →, the sonsבְּנֵ֥יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of oneאֶחָ֖ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → manאִישׁ־’îš- — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → in the landבְּאֶ֣רֶץbə·’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Canaanכְּנָ֑עַןkə·nā·‘an — Canaan; the promised land; merchant activityH3667 — Full Word Study →. The youngestהַקָּטֹ֤ןhaq·qā·ṭōn — Small, little, least, or young in size, number, age, or importanceH6996 — Full Word Study → is nowהַיּ֔וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → our fatherאָבִ֙ינוּ֙’ā·ḇî·nū — H1 — Full Word Study →, and oneוְהָאֶחָ֖דwə·hā·’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → is no moreאֵינֶֽנּוּ׃’ê·nen·nū — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study →.” 14Then Josephיוֹסֵ֑ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → declaredוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Just as I saidדִּבַּ֧רְתִּיdib·bar·tî — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →, youאַתֶּֽם׃’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are spiesמְרַגְּלִ֥יםmə·rag·gə·lîm — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study →! 15And this is howבְּזֹ֖אתbə·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → you will be testedתִּבָּחֵ֑נוּtib·bā·ḥê·nū — to test, examine, or prove through trialH974 — Full Word Study →: As surely as Pharaohפַרְעֹה֙p̄ar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → livesחֵ֤יḥê — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study →, you shall notאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → leaveתֵּצְא֣וּtê·ṣə·’ū — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → thisמִזֶּ֔הmiz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → place unlessכִּ֧יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → your youngestהַקָּטֹ֖ןhaq·qā·ṭōn — Small, little, least, or young in size, number, age, or importanceH6996 — Full Word Study → brotherאֲחִיכֶ֥ם’ă·ḥî·ḵem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → comesבְּב֛וֹאbə·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → hereהֵֽנָּה׃hên·nāh — here, now, thus, in this placeH2008 — Full Word Study →. 16Sendשִׁלְח֨וּšil·ḥū — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → oneאֶחָד֮’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → of your number to getוְיִקַּ֣חwə·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → your brotherאֲחִיכֶם֒’ă·ḥî·ḵem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →; the rest of youוְאַתֶּם֙wə·’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → will be confinedהֵאָ֣סְר֔וּhê·’ā·sə·rū — to bind, fasten, or restrainH631 — Full Word Study → so that the truthהַֽאֱמֶ֖תha·’ĕ·meṯ — Truth; faithfulness; reliability; what is established and sureH571 — Full Word Study → of your wordsדִּבְרֵיכֶ֔םdiḇ·rê·ḵem — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → may be testedוְיִבָּֽחֲנוּ֙wə·yib·bā·ḥă·nū — to test, examine, or prove through trialH974 — Full Word Study →. Ifוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → they are untrueלֹ֕אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study →, then as surely as Pharaohפַרְעֹ֔הp̄ar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → livesחֵ֣יḥê — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study →, youאַתֶּֽם׃’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are spiesמְרַגְּלִ֖יםmə·rag·gə·lîm — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study →!” 17So Joseph imprisoned themוַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ףway·ye·’ĕ·sōp̄ — to gather, assemble, collectH622 — Full Word Study → for threeשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁתšə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִֽים׃yā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, 18and on the thirdהַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔יhaš·šə·lî·šî — Third; one of three parts; third in rank or sequenceH7992 — Full Word Study → dayבַּיּ֣וֹםbay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → he saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to themאֲלֵהֶ֤ם’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “Iאֲנִ֥י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → fearיָרֵֽא׃yā·rê — to fear, be afraid, dreadH3373 — Full Word Study → Godהָאֱלֹהִ֖יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. So doעֲשׂ֖וּ‘ă·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → thisזֹ֥אתzōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → and you will liveוִֽחְי֑וּwiḥ·yū — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study →: 19Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → youאַתֶּ֔ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are honestכֵּנִ֣יםkê·nîm — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study →, leave oneאֶחָ֔ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → of your brothers in custodyיֵאָסֵ֖רyê·’ā·sêr — to bind, fasten, or restrainH631 — Full Word Study → while the rest of youוְאַתֶּם֙wə·’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → goלְכ֣וּlə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and take backהָבִ֔יאוּhā·ḇî·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → grainשֶׁ֖בֶרše·ḇer — grain, especially wheat or barley; foodH7668 — Full Word Study → to relieve the hungerרַעֲב֥וֹןra·‘ă·ḇō·wn — Famine, severe food scarcityH7459 — Full Word Study → of your householdsבָּתֵּיכֶֽם׃bāt·tê·ḵem — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →. 20Thenוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → bringתָּבִ֣יאוּtā·ḇî·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → your youngestהַקָּטֹן֙haq·qā·ṭōn — Small, little, least, or young in size, number, age, or importanceH6996 — Full Word Study → brotherאֲחִיכֶ֤ם’ă·ḥî·ḵem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → to meאֵלַ֔י’ê·lay — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → so that your wordsדִבְרֵיכֶ֖םḏiḇ·rê·ḵem — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → can be verifiedוְיֵאָמְנ֥וּwə·yê·’ā·mə·nū — to trust, believe, be faithfulH539 — Full Word Study →, that you may notוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → dieתָמ֑וּתוּṯā·mū·ṯū — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →.” And to thisכֵֽן׃ḵên — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study → they consentedוַיַּעֲשׂוּ־way·ya·‘ă·śū- — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →. 21Then they saidוַיֹּאמְר֞וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → oneאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → anotherאָחִ֗יו’ā·ḥîw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →, “Surelyאֲבָל֮’ă·ḇāl — but, verily, truly, nevertheless—emphatic affirmation or contrastH61 — Full Word Study → weאֲנַחְנוּ֮’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → are being punishedאֲשֵׁמִ֣ים׀’ă·šê·mîm — Guilty, culpable, bearing guilt or faultH818 — Full Word Study → because ofעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → our brotherאָחִינוּ֒’ā·ḥî·nū — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →. We sawרָאִ֜ינוּrā·’î·nū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → hisנַפְשׁ֛וֹnap̄·šōw — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → anguishצָרַ֥תṣā·raṯ — Distress, trouble, adversityH6869 — Full Word Study → when he pleadedבְּהִתְחַֽנְנ֥וֹbə·hiṯ·ḥan·nōw — To show favor, mercy, or compassion; to be graciousH2603 — Full Word Study → with usאֵלֵ֖ינוּ’ê·lê·nū — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, but we would notוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → listenשָׁמָ֑עְנוּšā·mā·‘ə·nū — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →. That is whyעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֹּֽאת׃haz·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → distressהַצָּרָ֖הhaṣ·ṣā·rāh — Distress, trouble, adversityH6869 — Full Word Study → has comeבָּ֣אָהbā·’āh — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → upon usאֵלֵ֔ינוּ’ê·lê·nū — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →.” 22And Reubenרְאוּבֵ֨ןrə·’ū·ḇên — Behold, a sonH7205 — Full Word Study → respondedוַיַּעַן֩way·ya·‘an — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study →, “Didn’tהֲלוֹא֩hă·lō·w — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → I tellלֵאמֹ֗רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → you notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → to sin againstתֶּחֶטְא֥וּte·ḥeṭ·’ū — To sin; to miss the mark; to commit wrongdoingH2398 — Full Word Study → the boyבַיֶּ֖לֶדḇay·ye·leḏ — Child, boy, or young person; offspringH3206 — Full Word Study →? But you would notוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → listenשְׁמַעְתֶּ֑םšə·ma‘·tem — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →. Nowהִנֵּ֥הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → we must account forנִדְרָֽשׁ׃niḏ·rāš — to seek, inquire, search diligentlyH1875 — Full Word Study → his bloodדָּמ֖וֹdā·mōw — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study →!” 23Theyוְהֵם֙wə·hêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → did notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → realizeיָֽדְע֔וּyā·ḏə·‘ū — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Josephיוֹסֵ֑ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → understood themשֹׁמֵ֖עַšō·mê·a‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →, sinceכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → there was an interpreterהַמֵּלִ֖יץham·mê·lîṣ — to mock, scorn, or ridiculeH3887 — Full Word Study → between themבֵּינֹתָֽם׃bê·nō·ṯām — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study →. 24And he turned awayוַיִּסֹּ֥בway·yis·sōḇ — to turn, surround, go aroundH5437 — Full Word Study → from themמֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֖םmê·‘ă·lê·hem — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → and weptוַיֵּ֑בְךְּway·yê·ḇək — to weep, cry, shed tearsH1058 — Full Word Study →. When he turned backוַיָּ֤שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → and spokeוַיְדַבֵּ֣רway·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → to themאֲלֵהֶם֙’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, he tookוַיִּקַּ֤חway·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → Simeonשִׁמְע֔וֹןšim·‘ō·wn — God has heardH8095 — Full Word Study → from themמֵֽאִתָּם֙mê·’it·tām — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → and had him boundוַיֶּאֱסֹ֥רway·ye·’ĕ·sōr — to bind, fasten, or restrainH631 — Full Word Study → before their eyesלְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃lə·‘ê·nê·hem — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study →. 25Then Josephיוֹסֵ֗ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → gave ordersוַיְצַ֣וway·ṣaw — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → to fill their bagsכְּלֵיהֶם֮kə·lê·hem — vessel, instrument, or article of useH3627 — Full Word Study → withוַיְמַלְא֣וּway·mal·’ū — to fill, fulfill, completeH4390 — Full Word Study → grainבָּר֒bār — grain, corn, wheat; harvest fieldH1250 — Full Word Study →, to returnוּלְהָשִׁ֤יבū·lə·hā·šîḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → each man’sאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → silverכַּסְפֵּיהֶם֙kas·pê·hem — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → his sackשַׂקּ֔וֹśaq·qōw — Coarse cloth worn as a sign of mourning or repentanceH8242 — Full Word Study →, and to giveוְלָתֵ֥תwə·lā·ṯêṯ — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → them provisionsצֵדָ֖הṣê·ḏāh — Food provision, sustenance, provisions for a journeyH6720 — Full Word Study → for their journeyלַדָּ֑רֶךְlad·dā·reḵ — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study →. Thisכֵּֽן׃kên — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study → order was carried outוַיַּ֥עַשׂway·ya·‘aś — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →, 26and they loadedוַיִּשְׂא֥וּway·yiś·’ū — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → the grainשִׁבְרָ֖םšiḇ·rām — grain, especially wheat or barley; foodH7668 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → their donkeysחֲמֹרֵיהֶ֑םḥă·mō·rê·hem — donkey; beast of burdenH2543 — Full Word Study → and departedוַיֵּלְכ֖וּway·yê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →. 27At the place where they lodged for the nightבַּמָּל֑וֹןbam·mā·lō·wn — lodging place, inn, or encampmentH4411 — Full Word Study →, oneהָאֶחָ֜דhā·’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → of them openedוַיִּפְתַּ֨חway·yip̄·taḥ — to open, loosen, or beginH6605 — Full Word Study → his sackשַׂקּ֗וֹśaq·qōw — Coarse cloth worn as a sign of mourning or repentanceH8242 — Full Word Study → to getלָתֵ֥תlā·ṯêṯ — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → feedמִסְפּ֛וֹאmis·pō·w — Fodder, animal feed, provenderH4554 — Full Word Study → for his donkeyלַחֲמֹר֖וֹla·ḥă·mō·rōw — donkey; beast of burdenH2543 — Full Word Study →, and he sawוַיַּרְא֙way·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → his silverכַּסְפּ֔וֹkas·pōw — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → in the mouthבְּפִ֥יbə·p̄î — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study → of the sackאַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃’am·taḥ·tōw — A large sack or bag for carrying grain or provisionsH572 — Full Word Study →. 28My silverכַּסְפִּ֔יkas·pî — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → has been returnedהוּשַׁ֣בhū·šaḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study →!” he saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → his brothersאֶחָיו֙’e·ḥāw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →. “It is hereהִנֵּ֣הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → in my sackבְאַמְתַּחְתִּ֑יḇə·’am·taḥ·tî — A large sack or bag for carrying grain or provisionsH572 — Full Word Study →.” Their heartsלִבָּ֗םlib·bām — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → sankוַיֵּצֵ֣אway·yê·ṣê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study →, and tremblingוַיֶּֽחֶרְד֞וּway·ye·ḥer·ḏū — to tremble, quake, or shudder with fearH2729 — Full Word Study →, they turned toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → oneאִ֤ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → anotherאָחִיו֙’ā·ḥîw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → and saidלֵאמֹ֔רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → is thisזֹּ֛אתzōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → that Godאֱלֹהִ֖ים’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → has doneעָשָׂ֥ה‘ā·śāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → to us?” 29When they reachedוַיָּבֹ֛אוּway·yā·ḇō·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → their fatherאֲבִיהֶ֖ם’ă·ḇî·hem — H1 — Full Word Study → Jacobיַעֲקֹ֥בya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → in the landאַ֣רְצָה’ar·ṣāh — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Canaanכְּנָ֑עַןkə·nā·‘an — Canaan; the promised land; merchant activityH3667 — Full Word Study →, they describedוַיַּגִּ֣ידוּway·yag·gî·ḏū — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → to himאֵ֛ת’êṯ — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → that had happened to themהַקֹּרֹ֥תhaq·qō·rōṯ — to meet, befall, happen; to impose or lay (beams)H7136 — Full Word Study →: 30The manהָאִ֨ישׁhā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → who is lordאֲדֹנֵ֥י’ă·ḏō·nê — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → of the landהָאָ֛רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → spokeדִּ֠בֶּרdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → harshlyקָשׁ֑וֹתqā·šō·wṯ — Hard, severe, stubborn, unyieldingH7186 — Full Word Study → to usאִתָּ֖נוּ’it·tā·nū — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → and accused us of spyingכִּֽמְרַגְּלִ֖יםkim·rag·gə·lîm — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study → on the countryהָאָֽרֶץ׃hā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. 31But we toldוַנֹּ֥אמֶרwan·nō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → himאֵלָ֖יו’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, ‘Weאֲנָ֑חְנוּ’ă·nā·ḥə·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → areהָיִ֖ינוּhā·yî·nū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → honest menכֵּנִ֣יםkê·nîm — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study →, notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → spiesמְרַגְּלִֽים׃mə·rag·gə·lîm — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study →. 32Weאֲנַ֛חְנוּ’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → are twelveשְׁנֵים־šə·nêm- — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → brothersאַחִ֖ים’a·ḥîm — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →, sonsבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of one fatherאָבִ֑ינוּ’ā·ḇî·nū — H1 — Full Word Study →. Oneהָאֶחָ֣דhā·’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → is no moreאֵינֶ֔נּוּ’ê·nen·nū — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study →, and the youngestוְהַקָּטֹ֥ןwə·haq·qā·ṭōn — Small, little, least, or young in size, number, age, or importanceH6996 — Full Word Study → is nowהַיּ֛וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → our fatherאָבִ֖ינוּ’ā·ḇî·nū — H1 — Full Word Study → in the landבְּאֶ֥רֶץbə·’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Canaanכְּנָֽעַן׃kə·nā·‘an — Canaan; the promised land; merchant activityH3667 — Full Word Study →.’ 33Then the manהָאִישׁ֙hā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → who is lordאֲדֹנֵ֣י’ă·ḏō·nê — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → of the landהָאָ֔רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to usאֵלֵ֗ינוּ’ê·lê·nū — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, ‘This is howבְּזֹ֣אתbə·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → I will knowאֵדַ֔ע’ê·ḏa‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → whetherכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → youאַתֶּ֑ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are honestכֵנִ֖יםḵê·nîm — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study →: Leaveהַנִּ֣יחוּhan·nî·ḥū — To rest, cease, or remain in a state of quietnessH5117 — Full Word Study → oneהָֽאֶחָד֙hā·’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → brotherאֲחִיכֶ֤ם’ă·ḥî·ḵem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → with meאִתִּ֔י’it·tî — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →, takeקְח֥וּqə·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → food to relieve the hungerרַעֲב֥וֹןra·‘ă·ḇō·wn — Famine, severe food scarcityH7459 — Full Word Study → of your householdsבָּתֵּיכֶ֖םbāt·tê·ḵem — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, and goוָלֵֽכוּ׃wā·lê·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →. 34But bringוְ֠הָבִיאוּwə·hā·ḇî·’ū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → your youngestהַקָּטֹן֮haq·qā·ṭōn — Small, little, least, or young in size, number, age, or importanceH6996 — Full Word Study → brotherאֲחִיכֶ֣ם’ă·ḥî·ḵem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → back to meאֵלַי֒’ê·lay — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → so I will knowוְאֵֽדְעָ֗הwə·’ê·ḏə·‘āh — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → youאַתֶּ֔ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are notלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → spiesמְרַגְּלִים֙mə·rag·gə·lîm — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study → butכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → honest menכֵנִ֖יםḵê·nîm — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study →. Then I will giveאֶתֵּ֣ן’et·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → your brotherאֲחִיכֶם֙’ă·ḥî·ḵem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → back to you, and you can tradeתִּסְחָֽרוּ׃tis·ḥā·rū — to trade, traffic, or move about as a merchantH5503 — Full Word Study → in the landהָאָ֖רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →.’” 35As theyהֵ֚םhêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → began emptyingמְרִיקִ֣יםmə·rî·qîm — to empty, pour out, exhaustH7324 — Full Word Study → their sacksשַׂקֵּיהֶ֔םśaq·qê·hem — Coarse cloth worn as a sign of mourning or repentanceH8242 — Full Word Study →, thereוְהִנֵּה־wə·hin·nêh- — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → in each man’sאִ֥ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → sackבְּשַׂקּ֑וֹbə·śaq·qōw — Coarse cloth worn as a sign of mourning or repentanceH8242 — Full Word Study → was his bagצְרוֹר־ṣə·rō·wr- — Bundle, bag, or small parcel; a bound or wrapped packageH6872 — Full Word Study → of silverכַּסְפּ֖וֹkas·pōw — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →! And when theyהֵ֥מָּהhêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → and their fatherוַאֲבִיהֶ֖םwa·’ă·ḇî·hem — H1 — Full Word Study → sawוַיִּרְא֞וּway·yir·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → the bagsצְרֹר֧וֹתṣə·rō·rō·wṯ — Bundle, bag, or small parcel; a bound or wrapped packageH6872 — Full Word Study → of silverכַּסְפֵּיהֶ֛םkas·pê·hem — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →, they were dismayedוַיִּירָֽאוּ׃way·yî·rā·’ū — to fear, revere, or be afraidH3372 — Full Word Study →. 36Their fatherאֲבִיהֶ֔ם’ă·ḇî·hem — H1 — Full Word Study → Jacobיַעֲקֹ֣בya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to themאֲלֵהֶם֙’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “You have deprived me of my sonsשִׁכַּלְתֶּ֑םšik·kal·tem — to bereave of children; to miscarry or lose offspringH7921 — Full Word Study →. Josephיוֹסֵ֤ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → is goneאֵינֶ֙נּוּ֙’ê·nen·nū — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → and Simeonוְשִׁמְע֣וֹןwə·šim·‘ō·wn — God has heardH8095 — Full Word Study → is no moreאֵינֶ֔נּוּ’ê·nen·nū — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study →. Now you want to takeתִּקָּ֔חוּtiq·qā·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → Benjaminבִּנְיָמִ֣ןbin·yā·min — Son of the right handH1144 — Full Word Study →. Everythingכֻלָּֽנָה׃ḵul·lā·nāh — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → is goingהָי֥וּhā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → against meעָלַ֖י‘ā·lay — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →!” 37Then Reubenרְאוּבֵן֙rə·’ū·ḇên — Behold, a sonH7205 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → his fatherאָבִ֣יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study →, “You may killתָּמִ֔יתtā·mîṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → my twoשְׁנֵ֤יšə·nê — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → sonsבָנַי֙ḇā·nay — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → I failלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to bring him backאֲבִיאֶ֖נּוּ’ă·ḇî·’en·nū — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to youאֵלֶ֑יךָ’ê·le·ḵā — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →. Putתְּנָ֤הtə·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → himאֹתוֹ֙’ō·ṯōw — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → inעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → my careיָדִ֔יyā·ḏî — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, and Iוַאֲנִ֖יwa·’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → will return himאֲשִׁיבֶ֥נּוּ’ă·šî·ḇen·nū — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study →.” 38But Jacob repliedוַיֹּ֕אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “My sonבְּנִ֖יbə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → will notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → go down thereיֵרֵ֥דyê·rêḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → with youעִמָּכֶ֑ם‘im·mā·ḵem — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study →, forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → his brotherאָחִ֨יו’ā·ḥîw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → is deadמֵ֜תmêṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →, and heוְה֧וּאwə·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → aloneלְבַדּ֣וֹlə·ḇad·dōw — alone, apart, or bar/poleH905 — Full Word Study → is leftנִשְׁאָ֗רniš·’ār — To remain, be left over, surviveH7604 — Full Word Study →. If any harm comesוּקְרָאָ֤הוּū·qə·rā·’ā·hū — to meet, encounter, or come upon (often by chance or unexpectedly)H7122 — Full Word Study → to him on yourאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → journeyבַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙bad·de·reḵ — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study →, you will bring my gray hair downוְהוֹרַדְתֶּ֧םwə·hō·w·raḏ·tem — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → to Sheolשְׁאֽוֹלָה׃šə·’ō·w·lāh — The grave; the abode of the dead; the underworldH7585 — Full Word Study → in sorrowבְּיָג֖וֹןbə·yā·ḡō·wn — Deep sorrow, grief, profound sadnessH3015 — Full Word Study →.”
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Chapter Commentary — Genesis 42
Chapter Overview

Chapter 42: The Providential Reunion

Genesis 42 marks a turning point in the Joseph narrative—the moment when divine providence orchestrates the reunion of the estranged family. A severe famine drives Jacob and his sons to Egypt, where Joseph, now viceroy, encounters his brothers who had sold him into slavery years before. Though Joseph recognizes them immediately, he conceals his identity and tests their character, particularly their conscience regarding their past sin. This chapter beautifully demonstrates God's patient, purposeful work toward reconciliation and redemption within a broken family.

Verses 1–5: Jacob's Reluctant Command

Jacob's initial response to the famine is passive—he sees his sons standing idle and rebukes their inaction (v. 1). When he hears grain is available in Egypt, he commands them to go and buy, lest the family perish (v. 2). Notably, Jacob keeps Benjamin, Joseph's full brother, at home, fearing harm might come to him (v. 4). This protective instinct, while understandable, also reveals Jacob's lingering grief over Joseph and his anxiety about his remaining son. The ten brothers journey to Egypt among many others seeking food (v. 5), unaware that they are about to meet the brother they betrayed.

Application: Even in our reluctance and fear, God often moves us toward situations that will deepen our faith and expose our need for His grace. Jacob's hesitation did not thwart God's plan.

Verses 6–12: Joseph's Test Begins

Joseph, now governor of Egypt, is responsible for grain distribution (v. 6). When his brothers arrive and bow before him—echoing his youthful dreams from Genesis 37—Joseph recognizes them but hides his identity (v. 7–8). He addresses them harshly, accusing them of being spies (v. 9). Joseph deliberately references his long-forgotten dreams, indicating his memory of past humiliation has not faded. The brothers' denial and claim to be "true men" and "one man's sons" (v. 11) begin to expose their character.

Application: God often uses difficult circumstances and pressure to reveal what is truly in our hearts. Joseph's apparent harshness serves a redemptive purpose.

Verses 13–20: The Terms of Proof

When the brothers mention Benjamin and acknowledge that one brother "is not" (v. 13), Joseph seizes this detail. He demands they prove their honesty by bringing Benjamin—fulfilling the very condition Joseph had set (v. 15). He imprisons them for three days (v. 17), then modifies his demand: one brother will remain bound while the others return home with grain and fetch Benjamin (vv. 18–20). Joseph's statement "I fear God" (v. 18) is significant—it reveals that despite his years in Egypt, he has not abandoned the faith of his fathers.

Application: God's tests of our faith are never arbitrary; they serve to strengthen us and reveal our true condition before Him.

Verses 21–26: Conscience Awakened

In private conversation, the brothers suddenly remember their sin (v. 21). They acknowledge they "saw the anguish of [Joseph's] soul" when he pleaded with them, yet they refused to listen. Reuben reminds them he had warned against the sin, and now God is requiting their cruelty (vv. 21–22). Joseph, listening through an interpreter, is deeply moved and weeps (v. 24). He takes Simeon as hostage and fills their sacks with grain, secretly returning their money (vv. 24–25).

Application: God's Holy Spirit often awakens dormant conscience. Genuine repentance begins when we remember our sin and acknowledge God's justice in our present circumstances.

Verses 27–38: Fear and Reluctance

When the brothers discover their money returned, fear overtakes them (vv. 27–28). Jacob, hearing their account, is devastated at losing both Joseph and Simeon, and now facing the demand to surrender Benjamin (v. 36). Reuben's desperate offer—to slay his own sons if Benjamin is not returned—shows the weight of family obligation (v. 37). Jacob refuses, unwilling to risk losing another beloved son (v. 38).

Application: Family reconciliation often requires surrendering our deepest fears and control to God's providence. Jacob's journey toward trust has only begun.

Application for Today

Genesis 42 reminds us that God's methods are often mysterious and His timing patient. He uses trial and conviction to soften our hearts and restore broken relationships. When we face uncomfortable circumstances or when the Spirit awakens our conscience about past wrongs, we should recognize these as invitations to repentance and reconciliation. Like Jacob, we must learn to release our fears and trust the God who orchestrates all things for redemption.

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